The Cleveland Browns would have been must watch TV had they appeared on HBO’s popular sports docudrama ‘Hard Knocks’ but it appears such won’t be happening, at least not if owner Jimmy Haslem has his way.
While watching the front office turmoil and Johnny Manziel return from rehab would have been ratings gold, Haslem appears to understand putting his franchise and young quarterback through such isn’t a wise move.
Given that, he’s reportedly informed the NFL that the Cleveland Browns are not interested in participating on HBO’s Hard Knocks. Head coach Mike Pettine appeared to agree.
The Cleveland Browns met with NFL Films this week and let it be known they would not volunteer to be featured on “Hard Knocks.”
Part of the reason: The team is aware the reality series filmed during training camp would bring increased scrutiny and attention to Johnny Manziel.
“You just weigh everything in,” said coach Mike Pettine, who was with the Jets as an assistant coach when the show was filmed there. “Because being a part of ‘Hard Knocks,’ having been there, knowing they’re going to look to cover the team’s biggest current storylines, it’s obvious that he would be a point of attention.”
The NFL does have final say in such, though multiple other teams are said to have interest in participating in Hard Knocks, like the Houston Texans, so it appears the Browns will be off the hook.
